Knowing Your Rights

Our primary concern is being a voice for you, as a victim of a crime, in the criminal justice system. If you have been a victim of a crime, please call the Gordon County Victim Witness/Assistance Program of the District Attorney’s Office at 706-879-2246 or 706-879-2245. This is a free service to all victims of crime regardless if you are here legally or illegally.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS BEEN A VICTIM OF A CRIME YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Every state has enacted laws that provide basic rights to crime victims. Over half of the states have amended their constitution to further protect the rights of crime victims. While these rights vary across the nation, most victims have the following rights:

THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION about your case as it progresses through the justice system;THE RIGHT TO NOTIFICATION of many different types of judicial or court proceedingsTHE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE in court proceedings related to the offense;THE RIGHT TO BE REASONABLY PROTECTED from your accused offender;THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION about the conviction, sentencing, imprisonment, and release of the offender; and.THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE RESTITUTION from the offender;THE RIGHT TO VOICE your opinion about bond or bond release, before sentencing and after conviction regarding the release of the offender.

IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF CRIME, THESE RIGHTS MAY APPLY TO YOU!
Literally thousands of programs now exist to provide services, sanctuary, advocacy, and financial support to crime victims. These programs are located within both government agencies and private non-profit or charitable organizations.